Is It Legal to Hurt or Kill a Dog I Think Is Threatening Me?

If you or someone you're with are being attacked by a dog, you have every right to defend yourself. If you act in self defense and hurt or kill a dog, most likely you won't be held liable for injuries to the dog. Whatever the situation, you should call animal control or the police department to report the incident as soon as possible.

Not everyone is familiar with dog behavior, so what you think is a threat might not necessarily be one. If you feel uneasy in a situation, but aren't at immediate risk of danger, the best thing to do is to get out of the situation before it gets worse.

Once you're in a safe area, call either animal control or the police department to report the the dog in question. Animal control is trained to handle situations like this, and it's their job to get the dog off the street.

Dog laws change depending on where you live. Not all states have the same laws, and cities frequently have their own ordinances; but generally dog owners are held responsible for their dog’s actions. If you have specific questions about an incident, or need further legal help, it is best to consult with a lawyer to find out what your options are.

Our attorneys can help if you've been the victim of a dog attack in Kansas City or nearby. Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.

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